Page 23 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 88 | JANUARY 2018

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DID YOU JUST SAY YOU’RE A PRINCE? I DON’T USE SOCIAL MEDIA!
Let’s assume you’re not Meghan Markle and your dating app isn’t so kind to set you We know that not everyone is active on their social media profi les, but if they have
up with a broodingly handsome and charming Prince Harry. Your new Instagram not changed their profi le pictures or updated a single post since the beginning of
friend may try to convince you that he is a hotshot model-cum-doctor with royal time, this can be an alarming sign. After several months of getting to know each
lineage leading a jet-setting lifestyle. But chances are that he is a liar and has tried other, you probably know very little about their close ones and parents. Look
this trick on many others before you. We know that models and princes need to through their social media profi les to verify some of the information they have
fi nd love too, but your mysterious online persona is probably not it. If you hear told you. Do their friends list include the same friends they’ve told you about? Do
overly extravagant and unrealistic stories, take it as a defi nite warning sign and the pictures on their profi le appear to be generic? Check if his photos are linked to
know that your online love is up to no good. other sites with a quick search on Google Images. If these scenarios seem familiar
to you, it is time you reconsider your relationship.

HONEY JUST WANTS MY MONEY! CALL ME, MAYBE?

Your online sweetheart may have inquired about your fi nances early on into your Does your online boyfriend or girlfriend only want to message you and never video
relationship. Why, you may ask? Well professional online scammers want to know call or talk on the phone? Do they conveniently tell you that their front camera
if you are worth their time and investment so they can cheat you off your hard- or webcam does not work? Or do you have to hear constant excuses on why they
earned money. How? They will tell you about their luxurious lifestyle in more ways can’t speak to you on the phone? Maybe their phone conversations with you are
than one. They will claim to earn well, raking in hundreds and thousands of baht a always very short and abrupt. All of these scenarios point to a possibility that he
month. This is why when they ask you for a temporary loan, you will be inclined to or she has created a fake identity, or is not interested in you. Either way, this is a
lend them money and expect to be paid back with interest. This tried and tested serious warning sign and it’s better to say your goodbyes now before you get hurt.
method has been successful for many money scammers.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ONLINE DANGERS

Cat fi shing: When a person fabricates
an online identity or fakes a social
media account to deceive you. There
are many catfi shes in the online world.
They conjure up lies out of boredom,
loneliness or revenge.
Cyber bullying: When a person
bullies or harasses someone online
consistently. Harmful bullying behaviour
includes disclosing the victims’ personal
information and posting it online.
Identity theft: Sometimes without
realising, you have divulged important
information about yourself to your
online partner. He or she can then steal
your identity and commit fraud.
Money scam: As mentioned earlier,
I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOVE YOU.
your online partner could trick you into
The two of you connect really well and you’re constantly chatting. Suddenly, he sending him money, or even attain your
drops the L word. You’re elated and secretly jumping up and down in joy. But wait a account details to rob you.
minute; he hasn’t even met you yet. He shows too much eagerness in professing his
love. You know something is amiss when it’s too quick, so its better you stay away!

ALL- A C CESS INT O B ANGK OK ’ S C ONTEMP OR AR Y INDIAN LIFEST YLE